Harmful Effects of Plastic on Health

Over the last few decades, humans have dumped tons of plastic garbage into the ocean and this process will continue for years to come. Around 580,000 pieces of plastic junk per square kilometer were found in the Atlantic Ocean. The consequences of this are seen in our food chain. The seafood we eat is also affected by plastics. Let's understand how does plastic affect the body?

Side Effects of Plastic on Human Health

The chemicals used in the production of plastic are toxic and detrimental to the human body. The plastic can be dangerous in multiple ways. Chemicals like lead, cadmium and mercury directly can come in contact with the human. They have been found in many fish in the ocean.

These toxins can cause cancers, congenital disabilities, immune system problems and childhood development issues. The other toxins like BPA or health-bisphenol-A are found in plastic bottles or food packaging materials. When the polymer chains of BPA are broken down and enter the human body through contaminated water or fish, it could lead to some serious damage to our body. The BPA can decrease thyroid hormone receptor which can lead to hypothyroidism.

Apart from these severe effects, we also suffer some serious disease due to plastic. Here are some adverse health effects which are commonly found in individuals -

Diseases Caused by Plastic

Asthma

Pulmonary cancer due to inhalation of poisonous gases by lungs resulting into cancer.

Cancer and liver damage

Nerve and brain damage

Kidney disease

Tips to Use Less Plastic

So what can we do about that? It is highly important for us that we get rid-off these problems. Let's know here how we can avoid the use of plastic?

Stop buying water. The plastic bottles contribute the most to plastic junk, as almost 20 million bottles are dumped into the trash.

Always carry your own shopping bag. Though it seems a small thing, if followed diligently you can reduce the use of plastic bags.

Choose cardboard over plastic bags. The cardboard is bio-degradable and hence environment-friendly.

Whether you are at home or restaurants, try to reduce the use of straws.

One of the best ways to reduce the packaging waste is to shop in bulk. That will reduce the plastic waste from your house too.

These simple tips are very useful in battling the plastic junk. The prevention of plastic use is the need of the hour. It is not only necessary for existing generations but for the future generations too. A regular full body health checkup should be a part of your health regime.